KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
7th October 2016
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International News
Products Ideal Standard adds to Concept Freedom range with new accessible bath for all ages
Now this is what you call a bubble bath...
SieMatic Pure SE 3003 newly on display at Urban Interior (London)
Czar kitchen taps from Abode: simple, stylish and easy to use
LDL extends Leyton lighting range
Blanco brings stainless steel to another level
Blanco Durinox is the ultimate innovation in stainless steel. Extremely hard and highly resistant to scratches, Durinox stainless steel surfaces are given these special characteristics via a new finishing process that originates from the aerospace industry. Blue light shines on floor to signal end of wash on new integrated dishwasher
Steel introduces Plasma technology to its range of cooker hoods
Smiths Briten reaches new highs with latest shower enclosures
Baths by Clay produces some fab Hi-Macs basins
Zanussi celebrates centenary year
"Zanussi is a brand that represents the zeitgeist of many generations," says Vanessa Holloway, senior consumer marketing manager at Zanussi. "Everyone can remember a Zanussi appliance in the backdrop at one time in their life... From a hand-made, wood-burning oven produced in a corner of Italy to more than six million units sold each year; Zanussi is a company that has earned consumer trust through its cutting-edge design, innovation and outstanding quality over the last 100 years." Small kitchen? No problem with the new Elon 45 S sink
This model has a compact single bowl with a maximum bowl size for a 45cm cabinet and a bowl depth of 190mm. The innovative 205mm x 436mm stainless steel drainer grid, which fits with the unusual curved design of the sink drainer, provides extra space, making this a truly multi-functional kitchen. 'Mirror, mirror on the wall, which is the fairest of them all?'
Back in black and white: the amazing Arc from MHS Radiators
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Almost nine out of 10 (88%) company car drivers admit to speeding on the UK’s motorways, and almost half (48%) break the speed limit on motorways on most journeys, (up 7% on last year’s figures) according to RAC Business research released today. That’s quite a lot, isn’t it? And add to those numbers the myriad of drivers from overseas, who no doubt keep up with the traffic flow, (as long as there aren’t any hold-ups) and it’s clear that motorists on our roads are travelling at quite a pace, aren’t they? Apparently, just over half (51%) typically drive at 80mph on motorways, while 7% drive at 90mph. This is also an increase on 2015 figures when 46% confessed to driving at 80mph and 5% to 90mph. Some 60% of company car drivers think it is totally acceptable to travel at 80mph on motorways and a third (31%) think the current speed limit is inappropriate for the road. In line with that, nearly three quarters (71%) believe the motorway speed limit should be increased to 80mph. We all lead such busy lives these days and are under pressure work-wise to achieve so much more throughout the course of the day, that driving as fast as we can safely get away with, without getting caught, is quite a temptation, isn’t it? RAC Business reminds us that driving at 80mph instead of 70mph will only save us six seconds a mile, or 10 minutes over 100 miles, and that driving at 80mph can use 25% more fuel than driving at 70mph. That extra 10 minutes saved for every 100 miles of travel, when breaking the legal maximum speed of 70mph, still seems tempting – particularly so for salespeople who these days seem to spend dangerously long hours on the road… but looked at in terms of extra fuel use, it’s not such a good idea – particularly if it’s your own business that’s paying for you to be on the road. Knowing the hundreds of miles some of those in this industry clock up over the course of a week, the impact of speeding on fuel efficiency, can be enormous! Whether you’re one of our many overseas readers, who drive for business on the UK’s roads, or whether you live here, do tell us whether you think motorway speed limits should be increased and if you’re one of those that regularly breaks the law… Yours,
 This Week's News
KBSA "proud to report another successful AGM and National Conference"
This year's meeting opened with a welcome from Tina Riley (national chair), followed by a presentation by Uwe Hanneck, acting KBSA CEO and consultant. Uwe presented the future strategy of the KBSA and outlined the forthcoming changes to 'future proof' the association. The significant change was the relaxing of the mandatory insurance requirement for domestic contracts. The resolution was passed with a majority vote. KBSA Designer Awards Winners - a rundown
Winner of the Kitchen Designer of the Year (Under £30K), sponsored by Omega, was Aileen Thomson of Kitchens International, with her 'blend of modern and traditional' kitchen. Winner of the Kitchen Designer of the Year (Over £30K), sponsored by Mereway, was Chris Smith, of in-toto kitchens (Southport) with his 'mixture of how traditional and contemporary can work together'. Methven retains exclusive CoolBrands status
The UK's CoolBrands, a list of the UK's coolest brands published annually since 2001, is decided by public vote and a panel of experts featuring leading figures in fashion, media and culture. For the second year running, Methven is the only shower and tap brand to appear in the list, which is independently administered by The Centre for Brand Analysis and considers thousands of brands from more than 50 sectors. Abode continues investment in training
Regan Goddard, who joined in 2014, has worked and studied diligently and has already graduated with a nationally recognised NVQ Level 2 qualification. Franke extends popular Kubus sink range with a new super-sized model
As well as offering a larger capacity for prepping, rinsing and washing, the undermounted installation gives a flawless, uninterrupted look to the worksurface for a more streamlined aesthetic in the kitchen. American standard launches campaign to announce new ActiClean self-cleaning toilet
Just ask Howie Mandel. The comedian, television host and self-described germaphobe is helping launch the ActiClean self-cleaning toilet, serving as its PR spokesperson. Britannia Living launches integrated dishwasher
The Britannia Cascata dishwasher boasts an A+++ energy rating, a generous 14 place setting capacity and eight different wash cycles, including economy and rapid wash cycles. The appliance has six temperature levels and also offers features including a 1-24 hour delay start timer and an LCD digital display. It also has low water consumption of 10 litres and low noise level of 45dB. Take part in the iKBBI National Waste Survey 2016
The 30 second survey is designed for kitchen, bedroom & bathroom installers, and one lucky winner will be picked randomly to receive a £100 fuel voucher as a prize for completing the survey. British Ceramic Tile steps out at London Fashion Week
The company, which designs and manufactures its fashion forward tile collections here in Britain, supplied 60sq.m of Colour Compendium Mono White Gloss Wall tiles in a 148 x 148mm size, and a selection of flat gloss white wall tiles in a 300 x 600mm size. Alno UK appoints a new south east area sales manager
Working alongside Alno's retail sales team, Jamie Howard will provide support to the Alno dealers and in-toto franchisees in the South East area and will be responsible for driving the sales and profitability of the customer through the implementation of brand strategies. Vado Rally raises £65,000 for the Rainy Day Trust
Furniture makers cycle to charity success
Led by Burbidge managing director, Ben Burbidge, this September saw the team, all drawn from within the British furnishings industries, complete a 6-day 450-mile bike challenge from the City of London to Bordeaux in South Western France. The KBzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The KBzine. If you would like to run a search of the The KBzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. How to contact us at The KBzine:
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clicking the link above. Recent News
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